KUCHING, 5 May 2025 – The Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, paid their final respects to veteran journalist James Ritchie at St. Thomas Church in Kuching yesterday morning.
They arrived at 10.05am and were received by Ritchie’s widow and children, who were visibly emotional. Despite the grief, the late journalist’s contributions to Sarawak’s media and historical records were warmly remembered.
Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan spent around 20 minutes at the service, silently honouring the memory of a man who was much more than a journalist. James Ritchie was often regarded as Sarawak’s unofficial historian, having chronicled the stories of the people, culture, and progress of the state over the past decade.
Tun Pehin Sri shared that they had planned to meet that very morning to discuss a book project they were working on together.
“It was meant to be the start of a new book,” he said with a heavy heart. “But God’s will surpasses all human plans. What could have been the beginning of a masterpiece is now the final chapter of a life.”
He described Ritchie as a kind-hearted, dedicated, and passionate individual, whose legacy of documenting Sarawak’s heritage would continue to inspire future generations.
The late James Ritchie passed away on Thursday at the Sarawak General Hospital, aged 74. His funeral will take place at Nirvana Cemetery, Bau, tomorrow.
Tun Pehin Sri and Toh Puan also extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for their strength during this difficult time. – UKAS
